In communities throughout the country, barriers that limit the potential of LGBT Americans have been torn down, but too many individuals continue to encounter discrimination and unfair treatment. And I will keep calling on the Congress to pass legislation so that all Americans are covered by these protections, no matter where they work. The Federal Government is now leading by example, ensuring that our employees and contractors are judged by the quality of their work, not by who they love. Earlier this year, because of my landmark Executive Order on LGBT workplace discrimination, protections for Federal contractors went into effect, guarding against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Through struggle and setback, we see a common trajectory toward a more free and just society.īut we are also reminded that we are not truly equal until every person is afforded the same rights and opportunities - that when one of us experiences discrimination, it affects all of us - and that our journey is not complete until our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law.Īcross our Nation, tremendous progress has been won by determined individuals who stood up, spoke out, and shared their stories. Over the course of more than two centuries of striving and sacrifice, our country has expanded civil rights and enshrined equal protections into our Constitution. LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH, 2015īY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICAįrom the moment our Nation first came together to declare the fundamental truth that all men are created equal, courageous and dedicated patriots have fought to refine our founding promise and broaden democracy’s reach. He also expressed his Administration’s support for marriage equality, conversion therapy bans, HIV/AIDS resources and efforts to help LGBT youth affected by bullying and homelessness. Obama has issued a Pride Month proclamation every year since taking office, but this year he singled out his executive order on LGBT workplace discrimination, stating that it “ that our employees and contractors are judged by the quality of their work, not by who they love.” Related: Obama Makes Historic Proclamation To End Conversion Therapy On Friday, the White House issued a proclamation by President Barack Obama declaring June LGBT Pride month.